European Platform MEP Radoslaw Sikorski earned 40,000 euros a month for unspecified consulting work according to Brussels-based Politico. The revelations about the former Foreign Minister were contained in an article about a corruption scandal that has shocked Brussels. Among those detained was European Parliament Vice President Ewa Kaili. She was charged with corruption, participation in a criminal group, and money laundering.
Day 299 of War in Ukraine – Putin demands army leadership plan for further military operations
Day 299 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is demanding that the army leadership prepare a plan for further military operations. This morning, Ukrainian anti-aircraft defences shot down 15 Iranian-made Shahed drones over Kiev. Anti-aircraft sirens also sounded in eastern Ukraine. Authorities are appealing to residents of the Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Zaporizhia regions not to ignore the alarms.
Fans go wild as Argentina wins World Cup title – French fans express disappointment
The duel between the two giants of soccer – Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé – ended in a win for the older one. Argentina beat France on penalties, and Lionel Messi won his World Cup winner’s medal. The South American team, which lost the tournament final to Germany in 2014, last won the World Cup in 1986.
Christmas tree-shaped displays on a lake in Castiglione del Lago & side of a mountain in Italy
The Italian region of Umbria, also known as the ‘green heart of Italy’, kicked off its holiday celebrations with Christmas tree-shaped displays on a lake in Castiglione del Lago and on the side of a mountain in Gubbio.